Kia brings a much-needed update to one of its small SUVs, the Seltos. The new Seltos was unveiled at the Ayala Museum with a revamped exterior, interior, and new smart safety features.
Exterior
Up front, the New Seltos now has a larger grille. On either side, it sports Star Map signature lighting, giving it a unique look making it instantly recognizable. Flanking the new grille are new LED headlamps making it look wider and giving it a stronger look. The new front bumper is sculpted with rigid shapes adding it to its confident rugged look. Vertical LED fog lights are integrated with the LED DRL’s, around the back has a new lighting design for the tailgate, while the back up lamp and rear reflectors on the lower bumper faux stone guard layout is similar to the front. The wheels have a new geometric design.
Interior
The interior has been updated with futuristic feel, the top of the line SX gets two 10.25-inch LCD displays, one is the instrument cluster and the other is for the infotainment. The LX and EX variants come standard with eight-inch touchscreen audio, but all get wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and is also the Rear-Camera Display with six-speaker audio. There’s also the new interface for the integrated control of the infotainment and air conditioning controls. Air conditioning for the LX and EX is single zone and the SX has dual zone. Wireless charging is available in the SX, there’s mood lighting and the SX also gets a panoramic sunroof. The rear seats are 60:40 full flat folding with recline in the LX and EX, while you have multi-angle and recline in the SX.
Powerplant
The new Seltos comes with two engine options, LX and EX AT, are equipped with their economical Smartstream four-cylinder 1.5L DOHC gasoline engine which puts out 115-Ps at 6300 rpms with 144-Nm of torque at 4,500 rpms, mated to Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission. While the top of the line SX AT is equipped with their turbocharged four-cylinder Gasoline Direct Injection engine which puts out 140-Ps at 6,000 rpms with 242-Nm of torque between 1,500-3,200 rpm and this is mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. All variants are front wheel drive.
ADAS
The EX and SX variants have the Advanced Driver Assist System: Lane Keep Assist, Lane Following Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), Rear Camera and Parking Distance Warning. Only the SX has Smart Cruise Control with Stop and GO.
Safety and convenience
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags are standard, with additional curtain airbags for the SX variant. All variants get Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), Immobilizer, seatbelts for 5 occupants, ISOFIX anchors and child locks. Convenience features are Smart Entry + Push Start, Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold, Power Windows, Power Door locks, and Power Fold Side Mirrors.
“This is a big moment for us,” says Kia Philippines, President Toti Zara. “I feel that the future is bright for Kia Philippines, and the new Seltos marks the beginning of an exhilarating chapter as we continue to drive towards automotive excellence in our market. We will remain dedicated to driving innovation, pushing boundaries, and shaping the future of mobility in the Philippines."
“Our stable of capable SUVs is stronger than ever,” says Brian Buendia, COO of Kia Philippines. “Loaded with standout style, some of the latest technology, advanced driver assistance systems, and enthusiastic performance, the Seltos is in a league of its own.”
Colors and price
The colors locally available are Snow White Pearl and Gravity Grey for the LX and EX, while the SX will be available in Pluton Blue and Snow White Pearl with Black Roof. The new Kia Seltos is priced as follows: the 1.5 LX AT is priced at P1,198,000, the 10.5 EX AT is priced at P1,288,000, and the 1.4 Turbo SX is priced at P1,688,000 and comes with comes with a five-year, 160,000km warranty.